‘Modi govt’s attitude will not be a challenge for Guj Lokayukta’

Speaking about how he will take charge, Mehta didn’t have anything to say. “Maybe, the government will notify in the Gazette. I have no idea.”

Wednesday was an unexpectedly hectic day for Dr Shyam Mehta, who is currently in India for a holiday with his parents – Dr RA Mehta and his wife, Mrudulaben. His ‘holidaying’ plans for the day went kaput, as the Supreme Court (SC) upheld appointment of his father as Lokayukta of Gujarat.

Mehta (RA), despite suffering from sore throat, got busy interacting with the media all day – answering inadvertently the same questions. Mrudulaben, meanwhile, assured that his throat survived the media barrage. She was always there, armed with a glassful of juice!

On August 25, 2011, Gujarat Governor Dr Kamla appointed Justice RA Mehta as Lokayukta of Gujarat. State government challenged the appointment in high court the same day, but the appeal was quashed. Modi government went in appeal to apex court, which on Wednesday rejected its contentions.

“This is the victory of Supreme Court. It is not in dispute that we need Lokayukta in Gujarat, and government too has accepted it,” said a rather stoic Mehta. “Recommendations of the chief justice are always non-political. The matter was subjudice; hence, I never spoke to the media about it. I don’t have any comments, even now.”

Mehta never filed a reply with HC or SC, in response to the government’s challenge. “I was indifferent (to the challenge)… I wasn’t supporting, not contesting,” he said, adding that state government’s attitude will not come in the way of his work. “I don’t think Modi government’s attitude will be a challenge for the Lokayukta,” added Mehta.

Speaking about how he will take charge, Mehta didn’t have anything to say. “Maybe, the government will notify in the Gazette. I have no idea.”